As the National Basketball Association insider points out, in joining the Nuggets the 29-year-old Thomas will reunite with head coach Michael Malone who coached him when he played for the Sacramento Kings. Prior to the injury, Thomas was eyeing a $100 million max contract extension.

But then Thomas was dealt to Cleveland as part of the Kyrie Irving trade.

The trend of one-year deals has become increasingly popular, as many free agents have chosen to bet on themselves in hopes to cash in during a big 2019 offseason where the salary cap will get a generous expansion, allowing teams to make lucrative offers. After he missed half the season following hip surgery that rendered him out during the 2017 C's playoff run, Thomas was later shipped to the Lakers at the Cavs' deadline purge. With the Cavaliers struggling, however, they dealt Thomas, Channing Frye and a 2018 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 8 for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. Second-year pro Jamal Murray started at point guard for them last season, scoring 16.7 points per game. Faried's role diminished until he averaged career-lows of 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest in just 32 games with the Nuggets last season.